New BOE committee convenes

Published 8:00 pm, Saturday, June 7, 2008

NORWALK

By NINA SEN

Hour Staff Writer

The Board of Education has dedicated three meetings this week to discuss the interview process for a new assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

The idea of personnel committee meetings became necessary when, at the June 2 board meeting, members were unsure what procedures should be followed in hiring a new assistant superintendent for that position.

Karen Lang, the current assistant superintendent, will retire at the end of the school year.

After lengthy discussions about the number of candidates to view, board members said they must establish a procedure because they don't have time to view all the candidates.

"We have so many positions to hire for and so many interviews, it would almost be physically impossible for you to be at all interviews," said Bruce Morris, director of human relations for the district.

The central office also plans to hire a director of elementary education and chief operating officer. Hugh McKiernan, the current director of elementary education, will leave at the end of the school year to pursue a doctorate in English.

Stuart Opdahl, the former COO, left on May 2 for a position as finance director of Oxford schools, where he previously worked.

Hiring for the assistant superintendent position is a more rigorous process this time as parents, teachers and other stakeholders are conducting their own group interviews prior to candidates reaching the superintendent.

School board member Migdalia Rivas was concerned not enough candidates could reach the full board for interviews after the superintendent conducts his own meetings with them.

"Every time we look at positions we only see one candidate. I'd like to see all the candidates after the (stakeholders) interview them," Rivas said.

However, other members pointed out viewing candidates after stakeholder meetings would override the work of Superintendent Salvatore J. Corda.

"Each interview committee (there are three) could come back with different candidates, such as three from parents, six from teachers and so on," said Morris. He added the role of the superintendent is to address any discrepancies in reports from the committees and come to consensus on which candidates are best suited for the position.

"Your decision is whether or not you want to see all candidates based on full stakeholders or you can see them (after an interview with Corda), when the process has been fed a little further," Morris added.

The personnel meetings are not open to the public.

Staff writer Nina Sen covers education. She may be reached at (203) 354-1005 or nsen@thehour.com.